‘PTI holds two meetings with govt’ amid Nov 24 long march call

After the initial contact between the government and the PTI, two meetings have been held and the purpose of these meetings is to consider the possibility of starting formal negotiations, a local English language newspaper reported.

The meetings, which come after recent contacts between the two sides, are aimed at discussing the possibility of starting formal talks.

If both sides agree to talks, it would be a major development, and if it happens in the next few days, it could lead to the PTI withdrawing its call for a November 24 protest march.

Once the individuals engaged in the pre-negotiation consultation process agree on an agreement to begin the formal negotiation process, they will refer to their respective top leadership for final approval. This means that in the case of PTI, those involved in the current negotiations will seek approval from Imran Khan.

Since the initial contact, two meetings have taken place between the two parties, one of which was attended by only two people, one representative from each side. The second meeting was attended by three people, the contacts being high-level.

In the event of a breakthrough, the negotiation process will begin but there will be no direct dialogue between the PTI and the establishment. At this stage both parties know that it will not be a matter of accepting PTI’s demands first and then negotiating.

Whatever the PTI says politically, the founder chairman of the party and those engaged in these negotiations with the government know that their demands will not be accepted immediately.

Sources said that if the negotiation process begins, both sides will present their respective demands, which will be presented to the official negotiators in the event of a breakthrough.